**Pep Guardiola and Manchester City are expected to welcome back one of their key figures in defence ahead of the showdown with Manchester United on Saturday.**
City’s injury and absence situation has been a major talking point in recent days, with Guardiola forced to navigate a congested schedule while managing a stretched defensive unit. Injuries to Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol, combined with international absences at the African Cup of Nations, have left City short of senior options across the back line.
The situation has been further complicated by fitness concerns surrounding players such as Nico and the continued rehabilitation of Mateo Kovacic, while others like Oscar Bobb and John Stones have remained sidelined.
Now, following Algeria’s quarter-final exit at the African Cup of Nations at the hands of Nigeria over the weekend, Rayan Ait-Nouri will return to Manchester City this week – with the away visit to Old Trafford targeted as a return date.
The development offers Guardiola a timely reinforcement ahead of an intense run of fixtures, beginning with Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg away to Newcastle United.
That match is followed immediately by the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, before City then travel to the Arctic Circle to face Bodo/Glimt in the penultimate Champions League league phase fixture.
While Rayan Ait-Nouri may not be rushed straight into the starting line-up, his availability provides valuable flexibility for Pep Guardiola, particularly given the ongoing injury issues in defence.
Even if initially limited to a place on the bench, his presence could allow Manchester City to better manage minutes and rotation across competitions. It also raises the possibility of tactical adjustments, with Ait-Nouri capable of operating both in a traditional full-back role and higher up the pitch when City adopt more aggressive attacking structures.
That versatility will especially important this season as Pep Guardiola continues to juggle squad availability. However, much will depend on his physical condition upon returning to Manchester, with medical assessments expected to take place swiftly after his arrival.